In compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, Grand Valley

Grand Valley State University, a community of approximately 26,000 people, consists of a 1,280-acre campus in Allendale, MI, a 38-acre campus in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, a 20-acre campus in Holland, MI and approximately one acre of waterfront property in Muskegon, MI. The campuses are considered to be safe. They are, however, subject to many of the same problems that occur in the surrounding communities. Grand Valley's crime rate is very low in comparison to the national average and to other state universities.

Grand Valley is concerned about the well-being of everyone on its campus and has prepared this brochure to increase your awareness of the programs that exist for your protection.

The university employs a professional, trained, and licensed police force. We also encourage students to take responsibility for their own belongings and safety.

State University annually provides information regarding security procedures and crime statistics to all its employees and enrolled students.

The university's Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports all incidents to the Uniform Crime Reporting program. The department makes reasonable efforts to monitor and record, through local police agencies, criminal activity of students at off-campus locations of student organizations recognized by the university. This includes student organizations with off-campus housing facilities. Crime statistics for the most recent three-year period are shown below.

University Judicial Options/Considerations
Victims of sexual assault that occur on university property and/or by another Grand Valley student may file a judicial referral with the coordinator for university judiciary. This referral can be filed regardless of whether the victim decides to file criminal charges. With regard to the university judicial process, victims will be treated with respect and sensitivity at all times.

When a victim expresses a concern about sexual assault, they will be informed of the availability of a university employee, designated to provide support. The role of the sexual assault support person includes the following: to share resources (both on and off campus); to explain the university's sexual assault policy; to assist with the filing of a complaint (internal and external to the university); to accompany the individual to any meetings related to the complaint; and to help the individual sort through their options and choices.

If the accused student denies the charges and requests a hearing, the victim will be notified of the hearing. The victim may present written evidence to be used at the hearing, may testify at the hearing, and is entitled to a copy of the written decision and sanction. If the incident was reported to the campus police, an officer may attend the hearing and assist in presenting facts learned during the investigation.

The accused student and the victim may each have one advisor present at the hearing. If the accused student admits the policy violation, the victim is entitled to a copy of the written sanction. The victim or the accused student may appeal the decision and/or sanction.

Sanctions for students found responsible through the university judicial process for committing sexual assault may include one or more of the following: warning; restitution; work assignment/community service; probation; loss of privileges; loss of the right to live in university housing; counseling; denial or revocation of a university honor; scholarship or degree; suspension; and/or dismissal from the university.

Michigan Law
Under Michigan law, sexual assault is called "criminal sexual conduct" (CSC). There are four degrees or categories. First, second, and third degree CSC are felonies. Fourth degree CSC is a misdemeanor. Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct is a felony. Conviction of any CSC charge can carry a substantial prison term. However, severity of the sentencing depends on a number of factors. These laws can be very complicated. Additional information about Michigan law can be found at www.michiganlegislature.org. Sections 750.520A-750.520L are specific to sexual assault.

Sexual Assault Programs
Programs dealing with rape, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses are presented on a regular basis at a variety of student educational activities, including orientation prior to classes, on-campus residential life programs and first-year orientation classes. Most of the programs are sponsored by the Counseling Center, the Office of Housing and Residential Life, the Women's Center, Public Safety Services or Eyes Wide Open Peer Sexual Assault Education Student Group. In addition, self-defense classes are offered each semester through a program called R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense System). The sessions are taught by community police officers who are nationally certified R.A.D. instructors.

The Grand Valley State University Counseling Center provides counseling for victims of sexual assault. Students are also made aware of counseling and support services in the community for victims of sexual assault.

Sex offender registry information is available at www.mipsor.state.mi.us.

Safety and Security Services
The primary responsibility for law enforcement on the Allendale campus rests with Grand Valley State University's Department of Public Safety Services (DPS). All Grand Rapids facilities owned or controlled by Grand Valley are served by the Grand Rapids Police Department. The Holland, Muskegon, and Traverse City police departments serve Holland, Muskegon, and Traverse City facilities owned or controlled by Grand Valley.

All Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety Services officers are licensed by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Public Safety officers have full law enforcement authority and responsibilities. They work closely with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.

Grand Valley employs a fully-equipped and trained university police department, providing 24-hour police services and assistance. The Department of Public Safety Services maintains a non-emergency dispatch service and office hours on the Allendale campus and relies on 24-hour emergency service from the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority.

In addition to law enforcement officers, DPS employs a number of student security personnel on a part-time basis. Student security personnel provide crowd control, monitor pedestrian crosswalks, direct traffic, and enforce parking ordinances

Criminal incidents and emergencies at the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids campus are reported to the Grand Rapids Police Department and Pew Campus Security.  Criminal incidents and emergencies at the Holland, Muskegon, and Traverse City campuses are reported to the Holland, Muskegon, and Traverse City police departments as well as to Pew Campus Security.

Policies and Procedures
Approximately 1,900 faculty and staff and 23,900 students work and study at Grand Valley. More than 5,700 students live in housing on the Allendale campus. Students and employees have access to campus facilities. Guests are welcome on the university's campuses. Visitors have access to buildings that are open to the public and to those in which events are scheduled. Students may have guests visit in their room or apartment provided they have made specific arrangements with the roommate(s) and have received their permission. Visitation does not mean cohabitation and a guest's stay should never exceed two nights in a given week. The university reserves the right to limit the frequency of guest visits. Guests must observe all university regulations and must be accompanied by his/her host at all times. The student whom the guest is staying with is responsible for any infractions or damage caused by his/her guest. Guests may also be asked to leave the community if their behavior is inappropriate.

DPS enforces laws concerning alcohol consumption and the use of controlled substances. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs or alcohol by faculty, staff, and students on Grand Valley State University property or as a part of a university activity is specifically prohibited by Grand Valley policy and by state and federal law. Grand Valley will impose sanctions for violation of the Standards of Conduct consistent with state and federal law (see Student Code).

Any student, faculty, or staff member may report criminal incidents by calling Grand Valley's Department of Public Safety Services at (616) 331-3255. Medical, police, and fire emergencies can be reported by calling 911. Public Safety officers are dispatched by the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority (911) as well as through the Department of Public Safety Services office.

Counseling Services
The Grand Valley State University Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling throughout the academic year on such topics that include alcohol and substance abuse, rape, and personal and relationship concerns. More information can be obtained from the Counseling Center or by calling (616) 331-3266.

Security on Campus
The Allendale campus has three traditional-style living centers housing approximately 866 students, 11 suite-style living centers housing 987 students, seven apartment style living centers housing 1,034 students and the Ravines, Laker Village, Calder Art, Murray, South B, Grand Valley apartments and the Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center, which accommodate 2,479 students. Secchia and Winter Hall on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus house 379 students. Off-campus housing consists of private apartment complexes located near both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses.

Non-academic Living Center entrances are always locked. The Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center is open for classes inside the building Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Residents of the Ravines, Laker Village, and Grand Valley apartments are responsible for locking their own doors. Secchia and Winter Hall entrances are locked at all times. Students living in the living centers are allowed to have visitors of the opposite gender during visiting hours, which are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday through Thursday and open visitation in all areas with their roommates' consent on Friday and Saturday. In other housing facilities, residents are allowed open visitation with the roommates' consent.

Special security procedures are in effect during low-occupancy periods. Those students who wish to stay in on-campus housing over Thanksgiving, winter holiday and spring break periods must register in advance with a housing and resident life staff member to do so. (For more information on housing security, refer to the housing handbook).

The Department of Facilities Services maintains the university buildings and grounds with concern for safety and security. Parking lots are illuminated at night, as are all main campus walkways and building entrances. Overnight parking is prohibited except in residence lots. Landscape planting is arranged and maintained so that building entrances are easily visible from a distance.

Individual Responsibility
A safety program such as the one at Grand Valley State University could not reach its highest potential without student cooperation. Students must take responsibility for themselves and their belongings by using common sense and by taking advantage of the programs that are available to them.

Larceny is the most frequent crime on campus, many of which could be prevented. Do not leave book bags, books, purses, bikes, or other personal effects unattended in living centers, classrooms, or other public areas. When parking on campus, close your vehicle windows and lock your doors.

The information in this brochure is accurate as of the date of printing. This brochure is intended to be informational and is not a guarantee of services. The university reserves the right to modify its programs, services, and levels of staffing.

Phone numbers to call to receive assistance:

Police, Fire, Emergency................................... 911
Public Safety Services............................ 331-3255
Pew Campus Security............................ 331-6677
University Judiciary................................. 331-3585
Grand Valley Women's Center.............. 331-2748
Counseling Center...................................331-3266
Assault Center......................................... 776-7273
A Center for Women in Transition....... 392-2829